US20160332670A1 - Chassis assembly including connector breaking feature - Google Patents
Chassis assembly including connector breaking feature Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20160332670A1 US20160332670A1 US14/712,275 US201514712275A US2016332670A1 US 20160332670 A1 US20160332670 A1 US 20160332670A1 US 201514712275 A US201514712275 A US 201514712275A US 2016332670 A1 US2016332670 A1 US 2016332670A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- wedge
- chassis assembly
- axis
- set forth
- underbody
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D21/00—Understructures, i.e. chassis frame on which a vehicle body may be mounted
- B62D21/15—Understructures, i.e. chassis frame on which a vehicle body may be mounted having impact absorbing means, e.g. a frame designed to permanently or temporarily change shape or dimension upon impact with another body
- B62D21/152—Front or rear frames
- B62D21/155—Sub-frames or underguards
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D21/00—Understructures, i.e. chassis frame on which a vehicle body may be mounted
- B62D21/11—Understructures, i.e. chassis frame on which a vehicle body may be mounted with resilient means for suspension, e.g. of wheels or engine; sub-frames for mounting engine or suspensions
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D24/00—Connections between vehicle body and vehicle frame
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D25/00—Superstructure or monocoque structure sub-units; Parts or details thereof not otherwise provided for
- B62D25/20—Floors or bottom sub-units
- B62D25/2009—Floors or bottom sub-units in connection with other superstructure subunits
- B62D25/2018—Floors or bottom sub-units in connection with other superstructure subunits the subunits being front structures
Definitions
- a vehicle such as an automobile, includes a frame and an underbody supported by the frame.
- the vehicle typically includes a subframe for supporting various components of an engine, drivetrain, and/or suspension of the vehicle.
- the subframe is typically mounted to the underbody of the vehicle with bolts, welding, etc.
- the subframe extends forwardly from the underbody toward a front bumper of the vehicle.
- front structural components of the vehicle may deform to absorb energy.
- FMVSS Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
- IIHS Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
- SORB small offset rigid barrier
- front structural components of the vehicle may deform to absorb energy.
- the subframe of the vehicle is not designed to detach from the underbody.
- Such designs typically require additional energy absorbing features and restraint systems to properly handle energy during a frontal impact.
- this type of subframe may transmit a larger pulse to the vehicle during a frontal impact, and this larger pulse may be addressed with the additional energy absorbing features and/or restraint systems.
- the subframe is designed to detach from the underbody during frontal impact to lower the pulse and Vehicle Pulse Index during the frontal impact.
- Detachable subframes can be designed to shear the connection between the subframe and the underbody; however, this shearing can create design difficulties. There remains an opportunity to design a subframe that effectively detaches from the underbody during frontal impact.
- FIG. 1 is a bottom view of a portion of a vehicle including a chassis assembly having a frame, an underbody supported on the frame, and a subframe connected to the underbody.
- FIG. 2A is a bottom view of the vehicle of FIG. 1 during a frontal impact with one embodiment of the subframe rotating relative to the underbody.
- FIG. 2B is a bottom view of the vehicle of FIG. 1 during a frontal impact with another embodiment of the subframe rotating relative to the underbody.
- FIG. 3 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the underbody and the subframe along line 3 of FIG. 1 and showing a first wedge and a second wedge including nesting protrusions and recesses.
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the second wedge.
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the first wedge.
- FIG. 6 is a side view of the underbody, the frame, the first wedge, and the second wedge in the position shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 7 is a side view of the underbody, the frame, the first wedge, and the second wedge during a frontal impact with the first wedge and the second wedge rotated relative to each other to move the underbody and the frame away from each other and breaking a bolt connecting the underbody and the frame.
- a chassis assembly 10 is generally shown.
- the chassis assembly 10 includes an underbody 14 and a subframe 16 .
- a connector 18 extends along an axis A and connects the subframe 16 and the underbody 14 .
- a first wedge 20 is fixed to one of the underbody 14 and the subframe 16 about the axis A and a second wedge 22 is fixed to the other of the underbody 14 and subframe 16 about the axis A.
- the first wedge 20 includes a protrusion 24 and the second wedge 22 defining a recess 26 receiving the protrusion 24 in a direction along the axis A.
- the first wedge 20 includes a plurality of protrusions 24 and a plurality of recesses 28
- the second wedge 22 includes a plurality of protrusions 30 and a plurality of recesses 26
- the recesses 28 of the first wedge 20 receive protrusions 30 of the second wedge 22
- the recesses 26 of the second wedge 22 receive the protrusions 24 of the first wedge 20 .
- the subframe 16 may be forced in a rotational movement relative to the underbody 14 .
- the protrusions 24 , 30 ride along the recesses 26 , 28 and forces the first wedge 20 and the second wedge 22 away from each other along the axis A and applies a tensile force on the connector 18 .
- the connector 18 breaks to allow the subframe 16 to separate from the underbody 14 .
- the ultimate breakage of the connector 18 between the subframe 16 and the underbody 14 and the movement of the subframe 16 relative to the underbody 14 soften the pulse during the frontal impact and reduce the Vehicle 12 Pulse Index.
- the vehicle 12 can be of any type.
- the vehicle 12 can be an automobile, as shown in the Figures.
- Automobiles are subject to various standards including frontal impact standards as defined by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) standards.
- FMVSS Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
- IIHS Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
- the softened pulse and the reduction in the Vehicle 12 Pulse Index during the frontal impact resulting from the breakage of the connector 18 affect testing for these standards.
- the frontal impact may include, for example, head-on impact, angular frontal impact, small offset rigid barrier (SORB) impact, etc.
- SORB small offset rigid barrier
- the underbody 14 may include a floor of the vehicle 12 .
- the underbody 14 may be formed of sheet metal.
- the underbody 14 may be mounted to a frame (not shown) of the vehicle 12 , e.g., mounted to rails of the frame.
- the subframe 16 supports various components of an engine (not shown), drivetrain (not shown), and/or suspension (not shown) of the vehicle 12 .
- the subframe 16 extends forwardly from the underbody 14 toward a front bumper (not numbered) of the vehicle 12 .
- the subframe 16 can be formed, for example, of steel, aluminum, or any suitable material.
- the subframe 16 includes a base 32 and an arm 34 extending from the base 32 .
- the subframe 16 includes a pair of arms 34 spaced from each other and extending from the base 32 of the subframe 16 .
- the subframe 16 may include additional arms 36 supporting the front bumper of the vehicle 12 .
- the connector 18 connects the subframe 16 and the underbody 14 .
- two connectors 18 are spaced from each other and connect the subframe 16 and the underbody 14 .
- Both of the connectors 18 may be identical.
- the subframe 16 defines a hole 38 for receiving the connector 18 and the underbody 14 defines a hole 40 for receiving the connector 18 to connect subframe 16 and the underbody 14 .
- the connector 18 can be, for example, a bolt 42 that extends through the subframe 16 and the underbody 14 and a nut 44 threadedly engaging the bolt 42 to retain the connector 18 to the subframe 16 and the underbody 14 .
- the bolt 42 extends along the axis A through the holes 38 , 40 of the subframe 16 and the underbody 14 . In such a configuration, the subframe 16 and the underbody 14 are locked between a head of the bolt 42 and the nut 44 .
- the connector 18 may be, for example, a pin, a weld between the subframe 16 and the underbody 14 , a rivet between the subframe 16 and the underbody 14 , any type of fastener between the subframe 16 and the underbody 14 , etc.
- the subframe 16 may remain substantially undeformed at the underbody 14 during rotation during a frontal impact.
- the arms 34 of the subframe 16 may deform and rotate relative to the underbody 14 during the frontal impact.
- the underbody 14 may be sheet metal, e.g., steel.
- the sheet metal of the underbody 14 may be 0.7-1.5 mm thick.
- the underbody 14 can be of any suitable material of any suitable thickness.
- the first wedge 20 is fixed to one of the subframe 16 and the underbody 14 and the second wedge 22 is fixed to the other of the subframe 16 and the underbody 14 .
- the FIGS. 6 and 7 show the first wedge 20 fixed to the underbody 14 and the second wedge 22 fixed to the subframe 16 .
- the first wedge 20 is stationary relative to and moves with underbody 14 and the second wedge 22 is stationary relative to and moves with the subframe 16 .
- the first wedge 20 and the second wedge 22 may be fixed to the underbody 14 and the subframe 16 in any suitable fashion, e.g., welding, adhering, fastening, etc.
- the first wedge 20 and the second wedge 22 may be formed separately from the underbody 14 and the subframe 16 and subsequently fixed to the underbody 14 and the subframe 16 .
- the first wedge 20 and the second wedge 22 may be integrally formed with the underbody 14 and the subframe 16 , i.e., formed together simultaneously as a single continuous unit. It should be appreciated that the words “first” and “second” are used herein merely as identifiers and do not denote importance, order, etc.
- the first wedge 20 and the second wedge 22 extend about the axis A, i.e., extend at least partially around the axis A.
- the first wedge 20 and the second wedge 22 may extend around the axis A, i.e., completely encircling the axis A.
- the first wedge 20 may define a hole 46 receiving the connector 18 and the second wedge 22 may define a hole 47 receiving the connector 18 .
- the axis A of the connector 18 extends through the holes and the first wedge 20 and the second wedge 22 extend around the holes, respectively, and the axis A.
- the first wedge 20 may include a plurality of protrusions 24 and the second wedge 22 may define a plurality of recesses 26 each receiving one of the protrusions 24 .
- the first wedge 20 may define a plurality of recesses 28 and the second wedge 22 may define a plurality of protrusions 30 received in the recesses 28 .
- Each recess 28 of the first wedge 20 may be aligned with one of the protrusions 30 of the second wedge 22 in a radial direction from the axis A.
- each protrusion 24 of the first wedge 20 may be aligned with one of the recesses 26 of the second wedge 22 .
- the protrusions 24 of the first wedge 20 may be positioned annularly about the axis A relative to each other and the recesses 28 of the first wedge 20 may be positioned annularly about the axis A relative to each other.
- the protrusions 24 may be positioned concentrically with the recesses 28 .
- the protrusions 30 of the second wedge 22 may be positioned annularly about the axis A relative to each other and the recesses 26 of the second wedge 22 may be positioned annularly about the axis A relative to each other
- the protrusions 30 may be positioned concentrically with the recesses 26 .
- the first wedge 20 includes a face 48 and the second wedge 22 includes a face 50 .
- the faces 48 , 50 may face each other, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6-7 .
- Each face 48 , 50 may extend perpendicular to the axis A.
- the protrusions 24 and recesses 28 of the first wedge 20 may extend from the face 48 and the protrusion 30 and recesses 26 of the second wedge 22 may extend from the face 50 .
- the protrusions 24 and recesses 28 of the first wedge 20 may extend from the face 48 along the axis A, i.e., may extend in a parallel direction to the axis A.
- the protrusions 30 and recesses 26 of the second wedge 22 may extend from the face 50 along the axis A, i.e., may extend in a parallel direction to the axis A.
- Each protrusion 24 , 30 may be configured to slide along the respective recess 26 , 28 and move the underbody 14 and subframe 16 away from each other along the axis A in response to relative rotation between the underbody 14 and the subframe 16 .
- the subframe 16 may be urged to rotate relative to the underbody 14 .
- each protrusion 24 , 30 rides in the respective recess 26 , 28 .
- each protrusion 24 , 30 moves along the respective recess 26 , 28 to push the first wedge 20 and the second wedge 22 away from each other and apply tension to the connector 18 .
- the protrusions 24 , 30 include a ramped surface 52 and the first wedge 20 and second wedge 22 each includes a ramped surface 54 in the recesses 26 , 28 adjacent the ramped surface 52 of the protrusion 24 , 30 .
- some of the ramped surfaces 52 , 54 are identified in FIGS. 3-5 .
- each corresponding protrusion 24 , 30 and recess 26 , 28 may match in shape and size.
- the ramped surfaces 52 , 54 may have matching contours.
- each corresponding protrusion 24 , 30 and recess 26 , 28 may match in shape and size along the entire protrusion 24 , 30 and recess 26 , 28 .
- the ramped surfaces 52 , 54 of the protrusions 24 , 30 and recesses 26 , 28 may abut in the recess 26 , 28 in the position shown in FIGS. 1 and 6 . In any event, the ramped surfaces 52 , 54 abut when the subframe 16 rotates relative to the underbody 14 .
- the ramped surface 52 of the protrusion 24 , 30 extends at an acute approach angle B relative to the ramped surface of the corresponding recess, as identified in one instance in FIG. 3 .
- This acute approach angle B encourages the ramped surfaces 52 , 54 to slide relative to each other during relative rotation of the first wedge 20 and the second wedge 22 .
- the protrusions 24 , 30 and the recesses 26 , 28 may be curved, i.e., rounded, to encourage sliding of the ramped surfaces 52 , 54 relative to each other.
- the protrusions 24 , 30 and the recesses 26 , 28 curve along an annular direction about the axis A.
- each protrusion 24 , 30 may extend from a base 56 to an apex 58 along the annular direction about the axis A
- each recess 26 , 28 may extend from a base 60 to an apex 62 along the annular direction about the axis A, as identified in FIGS. 4 and 5 .
- the protrusions 24 , 30 and the recess 26 , 28 may be curved along a radial direction from the axis A, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 .
- the apexes 58 , 62 may be rounded.
- the connector 18 e.g., the bolt, is configured to break when the protrusions move the underbody 14 and the subframe 16 away from each other along the axis A, i.e., when the first wedge 20 and the second wedge 22 apply tensile forces to the connector 18 during relative rotation of the first wedge 20 and the second wedge 22 .
- the connector 18 may be formed of a selected material type, a selected thickness, and/or a selected shape designed to allow the connector 18 to break when the first wedge 20 and the second wedge 22 are urged to rotate relative to each other during a frontal impact.
- the subframe 16 is connected to the underbody 14 with the connector 18 extending along the axis A through the first wedge 20 and the second wedge 22 .
- the first wedge 20 and the second wedge 22 are retained in position relative to each other by the connector 18 and prevent rotation of the subframe 16 relative to the underbody 14 .
- forces on the subframe 16 urge the subframe 16 to rotate relative to the underbody 14 . If the force on the subframe 16 from the frontal impact exceeds a predetermined magnitude, the first wedge 20 and the second wedge 22 rotate relative to each other.
- the protrusions 24 , 30 ride along the recesses 26 , 28 to move the first wedge 20 and the second wedge 22 away from each other. This movement of the first wedge 20 and the second wedge 22 away from each other applies tension to the connector 18 and the connector 18 breaks. Once the connector 18 breaks, the subframe 16 is free to move further relative to the underbody 14 , which softens the pulse during the frontal impact and reduces the Vehicle Pulse Index.
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Abstract
Description
- A vehicle, such as an automobile, includes a frame and an underbody supported by the frame. The vehicle typically includes a subframe for supporting various components of an engine, drivetrain, and/or suspension of the vehicle. The subframe is typically mounted to the underbody of the vehicle with bolts, welding, etc. The subframe extends forwardly from the underbody toward a front bumper of the vehicle.
- During impacts of a front of the vehicle, such as those defined by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) standards including frontal impacts, angular frontal impact, small offset rigid barrier (SORB) impact, etc., front structural components of the vehicle may deform to absorb energy. In one type of configuration, the subframe of the vehicle is not designed to detach from the underbody. Such designs typically require additional energy absorbing features and restraint systems to properly handle energy during a frontal impact. For example, this type of subframe may transmit a larger pulse to the vehicle during a frontal impact, and this larger pulse may be addressed with the additional energy absorbing features and/or restraint systems.
- In another type of configuration, the subframe is designed to detach from the underbody during frontal impact to lower the pulse and Vehicle Pulse Index during the frontal impact. Detachable subframes can be designed to shear the connection between the subframe and the underbody; however, this shearing can create design difficulties. There remains an opportunity to design a subframe that effectively detaches from the underbody during frontal impact.
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FIG. 1 is a bottom view of a portion of a vehicle including a chassis assembly having a frame, an underbody supported on the frame, and a subframe connected to the underbody. -
FIG. 2A is a bottom view of the vehicle ofFIG. 1 during a frontal impact with one embodiment of the subframe rotating relative to the underbody. -
FIG. 2B is a bottom view of the vehicle ofFIG. 1 during a frontal impact with another embodiment of the subframe rotating relative to the underbody. -
FIG. 3 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the underbody and the subframe alongline 3 ofFIG. 1 and showing a first wedge and a second wedge including nesting protrusions and recesses. -
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the second wedge. -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the first wedge. -
FIG. 6 is a side view of the underbody, the frame, the first wedge, and the second wedge in the position shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 7 is a side view of the underbody, the frame, the first wedge, and the second wedge during a frontal impact with the first wedge and the second wedge rotated relative to each other to move the underbody and the frame away from each other and breaking a bolt connecting the underbody and the frame. - With reference to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views, a
chassis assembly 10 is generally shown. With reference toFIGS. 1-2B , thechassis assembly 10 includes anunderbody 14 and asubframe 16. With reference toFIG. 3 , aconnector 18 extends along an axis A and connects thesubframe 16 and theunderbody 14. Afirst wedge 20 is fixed to one of theunderbody 14 and thesubframe 16 about the axis A and asecond wedge 22 is fixed to the other of theunderbody 14 andsubframe 16 about the axis A. Thefirst wedge 20 includes aprotrusion 24 and thesecond wedge 22 defining arecess 26 receiving theprotrusion 24 in a direction along the axis A. As one example, as set forth further below, thefirst wedge 20 includes a plurality ofprotrusions 24 and a plurality ofrecesses 28, and thesecond wedge 22 includes a plurality ofprotrusions 30 and a plurality ofrecesses 26. In such an embodiment, therecesses 28 of thefirst wedge 20 receiveprotrusions 30 of thesecond wedge 22, and therecesses 26 of thesecond wedge 22 receive theprotrusions 24 of thefirst wedge 20. - As shown in
FIGS. 2A and 2B , during a frontal impact of thevehicle 12, thesubframe 16 may be forced in a rotational movement relative to theunderbody 14. As thesubframe 16 and underbody 14 rotate relative to each other, theprotrusions recesses first wedge 20 and thesecond wedge 22 away from each other along the axis A and applies a tensile force on theconnector 18. As shown inFIG. 7 , as thefirst wedge 20 and thesecond wedge 22 move away from each other, theconnector 18 breaks to allow thesubframe 16 to separate from theunderbody 14. The ultimate breakage of theconnector 18 between thesubframe 16 and theunderbody 14 and the movement of thesubframe 16 relative to theunderbody 14 soften the pulse during the frontal impact and reduce theVehicle 12 Pulse Index. - The
vehicle 12 can be of any type. For example, thevehicle 12 can be an automobile, as shown in the Figures. Automobiles are subject to various standards including frontal impact standards as defined by Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) standards. The softened pulse and the reduction in theVehicle 12 Pulse Index during the frontal impact resulting from the breakage of theconnector 18 affect testing for these standards. The frontal impact may include, for example, head-on impact, angular frontal impact, small offset rigid barrier (SORB) impact, etc. - The
underbody 14 may include a floor of thevehicle 12. Theunderbody 14 may be formed of sheet metal. Theunderbody 14 may be mounted to a frame (not shown) of thevehicle 12, e.g., mounted to rails of the frame. - The
subframe 16 supports various components of an engine (not shown), drivetrain (not shown), and/or suspension (not shown) of thevehicle 12. Thesubframe 16 extends forwardly from theunderbody 14 toward a front bumper (not numbered) of thevehicle 12. Thesubframe 16 can be formed, for example, of steel, aluminum, or any suitable material. - With continued reference to
FIGS. 1-2B , thesubframe 16 includes abase 32 and anarm 34 extending from thebase 32. Specifically, thesubframe 16 includes a pair ofarms 34 spaced from each other and extending from thebase 32 of thesubframe 16. Thesubframe 16 may includeadditional arms 36 supporting the front bumper of thevehicle 12. - As set forth above, the
connector 18 connects thesubframe 16 and theunderbody 14. Specifically, as shown inFIGS. 1-2B , twoconnectors 18 are spaced from each other and connect thesubframe 16 and theunderbody 14. Both of theconnectors 18 may be identical. - With reference to
FIG. 3 , thesubframe 16 defines ahole 38 for receiving theconnector 18 and theunderbody 14 defines ahole 40 for receiving theconnector 18 to connectsubframe 16 and theunderbody 14. Theconnector 18 can be, for example, abolt 42 that extends through thesubframe 16 and theunderbody 14 and anut 44 threadedly engaging thebolt 42 to retain theconnector 18 to thesubframe 16 and theunderbody 14. In such an embodiment, thebolt 42 extends along the axis A through theholes subframe 16 and theunderbody 14. In such a configuration, thesubframe 16 and theunderbody 14 are locked between a head of thebolt 42 and thenut 44. Alternatively, theconnector 18 may be, for example, a pin, a weld between thesubframe 16 and theunderbody 14, a rivet between thesubframe 16 and theunderbody 14, any type of fastener between thesubframe 16 and theunderbody 14, etc. - In one embodiment of the
subframe 16, as shown inFIG. 2A , thesubframe 16 may remain substantially undeformed at theunderbody 14 during rotation during a frontal impact. Alternatively, as shown inFIG. 2B , thearms 34 of thesubframe 16 may deform and rotate relative to theunderbody 14 during the frontal impact. - The
underbody 14 may be sheet metal, e.g., steel. The sheet metal of theunderbody 14 may be 0.7-1.5 mm thick. Alternatively, theunderbody 14 can be of any suitable material of any suitable thickness. - As set forth above, the
first wedge 20 is fixed to one of thesubframe 16 and theunderbody 14 and thesecond wedge 22 is fixed to the other of thesubframe 16 and theunderbody 14. For example, theFIGS. 6 and 7 show thefirst wedge 20 fixed to theunderbody 14 and thesecond wedge 22 fixed to thesubframe 16. In other words, thefirst wedge 20 is stationary relative to and moves withunderbody 14 and thesecond wedge 22 is stationary relative to and moves with thesubframe 16. Thefirst wedge 20 and thesecond wedge 22 may be fixed to theunderbody 14 and thesubframe 16 in any suitable fashion, e.g., welding, adhering, fastening, etc. Thefirst wedge 20 and thesecond wedge 22 may be formed separately from theunderbody 14 and thesubframe 16 and subsequently fixed to theunderbody 14 and thesubframe 16. Alternatively, thefirst wedge 20 and thesecond wedge 22 may be integrally formed with theunderbody 14 and thesubframe 16, i.e., formed together simultaneously as a single continuous unit. It should be appreciated that the words “first” and “second” are used herein merely as identifiers and do not denote importance, order, etc. - With reference to
FIGS. 3-7 , as set forth above, thefirst wedge 20 and thesecond wedge 22 extend about the axis A, i.e., extend at least partially around the axis A. As one example, as shown in the Figures, thefirst wedge 20 and thesecond wedge 22 may extend around the axis A, i.e., completely encircling the axis A. For example, thefirst wedge 20 may define ahole 46 receiving theconnector 18 and thesecond wedge 22 may define ahole 47 receiving theconnector 18. The axis A of theconnector 18 extends through the holes and thefirst wedge 20 and thesecond wedge 22 extend around the holes, respectively, and the axis A. - With reference to
FIGS. 3-5 , as set forth above, thefirst wedge 20 may include a plurality ofprotrusions 24 and thesecond wedge 22 may define a plurality ofrecesses 26 each receiving one of theprotrusions 24. As also set forth above, thefirst wedge 20 may define a plurality ofrecesses 28 and thesecond wedge 22 may define a plurality ofprotrusions 30 received in therecesses 28. Eachrecess 28 of thefirst wedge 20 may be aligned with one of theprotrusions 30 of thesecond wedge 22 in a radial direction from the axis A. Similarly, eachprotrusion 24 of thefirst wedge 20 may be aligned with one of therecesses 26 of thesecond wedge 22. Theprotrusions 24 of thefirst wedge 20 may be positioned annularly about the axis A relative to each other and therecesses 28 of thefirst wedge 20 may be positioned annularly about the axis A relative to each other. Theprotrusions 24 may be positioned concentrically with therecesses 28. Similarly, theprotrusions 30 of thesecond wedge 22 may be positioned annularly about the axis A relative to each other and therecesses 26 of thesecond wedge 22 may be positioned annularly about the axis A relative to each other Theprotrusions 30 may be positioned concentrically with therecesses 26. - With reference to
FIGS. 3-7 , thefirst wedge 20 includes aface 48 and thesecond wedge 22 includes aface 50. The faces 48, 50 may face each other, as shown inFIGS. 3 and 6-7 . Eachface protrusions 24 and recesses 28 of thefirst wedge 20 may extend from theface 48 and theprotrusion 30 and recesses 26 of thesecond wedge 22 may extend from theface 50. In particular, for example, theprotrusions 24 and recesses 28 of thefirst wedge 20 may extend from theface 48 along the axis A, i.e., may extend in a parallel direction to the axis A. Similarly, theprotrusions 30 and recesses 26 of thesecond wedge 22 may extend from theface 50 along the axis A, i.e., may extend in a parallel direction to the axis A. - Each
protrusion respective recess underbody 14 andsubframe 16 away from each other along the axis A in response to relative rotation between theunderbody 14 and thesubframe 16. For example, as set forth above with reference toFIGS. 1-2B , during a frontal impact of thevehicle 12, thesubframe 16 may be urged to rotate relative to theunderbody 14. As thesubframe 16 rotates relative to theunderbody 14, eachprotrusion respective recess FIG. 7 , during this rotation, eachprotrusion respective recess first wedge 20 and thesecond wedge 22 away from each other and apply tension to theconnector 18. - With reference to
FIGS. 3-5 , for eachcorresponding protrusion recess protrusion recess protrusions surface 52 and thefirst wedge 20 andsecond wedge 22 each includes a rampedsurface 54 in therecesses surface 52 of theprotrusion FIGS. 3-5 . - At least a portion of each corresponding
protrusion recess protrusion recess entire protrusion recess - The ramped surfaces 52, 54 of the
protrusions recess FIGS. 1 and 6 . In any event, the ramped surfaces 52, 54 abut when thesubframe 16 rotates relative to theunderbody 14. - The ramped
surface 52 of theprotrusion FIG. 3 . This acute approach angle B encourages the ramped surfaces 52, 54 to slide relative to each other during relative rotation of thefirst wedge 20 and thesecond wedge 22. - The
protrusions recesses FIGS. 4 and 5 , theprotrusions recesses protrusion recess FIGS. 4 and 5 . Theprotrusions recess FIGS. 4 and 5 . Theapexes - The
connector 18, e.g., the bolt, is configured to break when the protrusions move theunderbody 14 and thesubframe 16 away from each other along the axis A, i.e., when thefirst wedge 20 and thesecond wedge 22 apply tensile forces to theconnector 18 during relative rotation of thefirst wedge 20 and thesecond wedge 22. For example, theconnector 18 may be formed of a selected material type, a selected thickness, and/or a selected shape designed to allow theconnector 18 to break when thefirst wedge 20 and thesecond wedge 22 are urged to rotate relative to each other during a frontal impact. - In operation, as shown in
FIG. 1 , thesubframe 16 is connected to theunderbody 14 with theconnector 18 extending along the axis A through thefirst wedge 20 and thesecond wedge 22. During operation of thevehicle 12 in the absence of a frontal impact, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 6 , thefirst wedge 20 and thesecond wedge 22 are retained in position relative to each other by theconnector 18 and prevent rotation of thesubframe 16 relative to theunderbody 14. During a frontal impact, as shown inFIGS. 2A, 2B, and 7 , forces on thesubframe 16 urge thesubframe 16 to rotate relative to theunderbody 14. If the force on thesubframe 16 from the frontal impact exceeds a predetermined magnitude, thefirst wedge 20 and thesecond wedge 22 rotate relative to each other. During the relative rotation of thefirst wedge 20 and thesecond wedge 22, theprotrusions recesses first wedge 20 and thesecond wedge 22 away from each other. This movement of thefirst wedge 20 and thesecond wedge 22 away from each other applies tension to theconnector 18 and theconnector 18 breaks. Once theconnector 18 breaks, thesubframe 16 is free to move further relative to theunderbody 14, which softens the pulse during the frontal impact and reduces the Vehicle Pulse Index. - The disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible in light of the above teachings, and the disclosure may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/712,275 US9616932B2 (en) | 2015-05-14 | 2015-05-14 | Chassis assembly including connector breaking feature |
CN201620416789.3U CN205706859U (en) | 2015-05-14 | 2016-05-10 | Chassis assembly |
DE202016102525.7U DE202016102525U1 (en) | 2015-05-14 | 2016-05-11 | Chassis assembly with connector break feature |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/712,275 US9616932B2 (en) | 2015-05-14 | 2015-05-14 | Chassis assembly including connector breaking feature |
Publications (2)
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US20160332670A1 true US20160332670A1 (en) | 2016-11-17 |
US9616932B2 US9616932B2 (en) | 2017-04-11 |
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US14/712,275 Expired - Fee Related US9616932B2 (en) | 2015-05-14 | 2015-05-14 | Chassis assembly including connector breaking feature |
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US (1) | US9616932B2 (en) |
CN (1) | CN205706859U (en) |
DE (1) | DE202016102525U1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
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US20160236718A1 (en) * | 2015-02-18 | 2016-08-18 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Vehicle front body structure |
CN107792180A (en) * | 2017-09-12 | 2018-03-13 | 华南理工大学 | A kind of subframe and the departing mounting structure of vehicle body |
FR3139106A1 (en) * | 2022-08-25 | 2024-03-01 | Psa Automobiles Sa | Motor vehicle structure with ejectable cradle |
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JP6137144B2 (en) * | 2014-11-27 | 2017-05-31 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Suspension member |
SE540071C2 (en) * | 2015-05-19 | 2018-03-13 | Ningbo Geely Automobile Res & Development Co Ltd | Sub-frame method and arrangement for retaining a rear section of a sub-frame |
EP3261149B1 (en) * | 2016-06-20 | 2021-09-15 | Magna Steyr Fahrzeugtechnik AG & Co KG | Mounting assembly |
JP6469753B2 (en) * | 2017-04-26 | 2019-02-13 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Body front structure |
US11002306B2 (en) | 2017-09-30 | 2021-05-11 | Robert E. Stewart | Sacrificial washer and related components |
JP6787373B2 (en) * | 2018-07-13 | 2020-11-18 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Vehicle undercarriage |
JP6787372B2 (en) * | 2018-07-13 | 2020-11-18 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Vehicle undercarriage |
JP6787371B2 (en) * | 2018-07-13 | 2020-11-18 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Vehicle undercarriage |
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FR3139106A1 (en) * | 2022-08-25 | 2024-03-01 | Psa Automobiles Sa | Motor vehicle structure with ejectable cradle |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN205706859U (en) | 2016-11-23 |
DE202016102525U1 (en) | 2016-07-12 |
US9616932B2 (en) | 2017-04-11 |
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